Many people constantly doubt their abilities, skills, talents, opinions, and numerous other aspects that makes them who they are. For these individuals, a lot of precious time is wasted on this demeaning method of thinking.
If you are looking to improve yourself, your life, the way that others see you, and the way that you see yourself, it is important to understand the importance of believing in yourself. If you miss the opportunity of accomplishing this very important goal, you will continue to miss opportunities all through your life..."
Ah, yes. I do believe the beginning of this inspiring article was just meant for me. I want to find out if I have a good self-image. Maybe if I realize I don't I'll move onto the solution.
What's the solution? Better self-confidence. aka. Believing in myself.
The first thing they recommend is writing a list of goals and dreams... hmm. Already did that. Funny... I've accomplished maybe one or two of my somewhat outlandish dreams and ideas. And what I'm doing now wasn't even on that list and yet I'm still fulfilled in it.
Moving on... the second part to believing in yourself is finding out what my gifts and talents are. Looking at my career test, spiritual gifts test, and love language test, I probably shouldn't have even attempted the job(s) I have now.
(So far, I think this means I don't believe in myself every much)
Next step... overcoming the obstacle of fear. Ah. Well I've conquered that... I mean I think I have... I mean, well, I don't get scared by certain things anymore... of course, if a snake were to slither its way beside me, I'd... oh never mind.
Last method... challenge yourself. So, once I write down my dreams and goals, find out what my gifts and talents are, and overcome the obstacle of fear, I'm supposed to challenge myself?
Considering that I'm no longer afraid of anything, this should be a piece of cake. Right. And challenging myself is always a piece of cake.
Pardon my sarcastic rant, but I firmly believe that believing in yourself will not create the kind of belief in yourself that you really think you'll have.
Let me use myself as an example.
People will come up to me occasionally and tell me they hear what a good teacher I am.
I often grin when I hear that, because actually, if I base it on human effort I'm not a very good teacher. I've switched up schedules, said things I shouldn't have, stuttered through many weeks of History lectures, have had moments of confusion over 6th grade Math, and become stumped over the many questions I'm asked.
Now, to the self-esteem promoters, the above paragraph would be saddening. I'm not believing in myself! I'm also speaking negatively about my actions! Horrors!
To the Christ-followers, the above paragraph should be an example of the grace of God. He led me to where I am, was so faithful in calling me to His strength when I felt weak, and has showed off so much of His power because I can't even take credit for answered prayer anyways.
If I had believed in my abilities as a teacher (even though I'd never taught before), and if I had overcome the obstacle of fear I feel when I have to confront, I would have no need for Jesus. After all, if I believe in myself, I don't need anyone else. And THAT, unfortunately, is the core of what believing in yourself really is. It leaves no room for the need of a Savior and Deliverer.
Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, not believe in ourselves.
All this to say, you can believe in yourself as much as you like.
But I'd rather believe in a God who heals the sick, moves mountains, forgives, restores, redeems, and provides for His pitifully weak children.
"O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you." -Ps. 84:12
"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." -Matt. 16:24-25
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